Lifeguards returning to Sunderland's Seaburn Beach as seafront takes further step towards normality

Lifeguards are returning to a Sunderland beach this weekend as the city continues to take steps back towards normality.
Lifeguard training taking place.Lifeguard training taking place.
Lifeguard training taking place.

The RNLI, which provides Sunderland’s lifeguard service, will have its patrol back in place at Seaburn Beach from Saturday June 20, later in the season than a normal year due to lockdown.

RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie said the charity had already restored patrols to a number of beaches, including nearby Sandhaven in South Shields, meaning teams have been able to put new ways of working and equipment have been properly put to the test.

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He hopes to have lifeguards back at 170 beaches by early July - 70% of the beaches it would patrol in a normal summer.

Lifeguards are returning to Sunderland's seafrontLifeguards are returning to Sunderland's seafront
Lifeguards are returning to Sunderland's seafront

“We are now confident we can provide a more comprehensive lifeguard service this summer safely, despite the continuing challenges created by the pandemic. The first few weeks having lifeguards back on beaches has helped us properly test the new ways of operating and reassured everyone that we can accelerate and expand our plans,” he said

“Our original plan to lifeguard 70 beaches this summer was a conservative one, made when many things were still unknown.

“Now, though, we have a better idea of the journey out of lockdown for all parts of the UK, understand the new regulations with which we must comply as an employer and service provider and, most importantly, feel we can properly manage the risks associated with Coronavirus. So, we are revising our plans and adding to the number of beaches we can lifeguard this summer.’

Staying safe

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Councillor John Kelly, Cabinet Member for Vibrant city at Sunderland City Council, said: “Water safety is a key priority for us so we’re delighted to see the return of RNLI lifeguards to Seaburn Beach this Saturday 20 June, and we anticipate the service at Roker Beach will commence on Saturday 4 July.

“But personal water safety is also vital. It has never been more important than it is now to know how to keep yourselves and others safe near water. So we would encourage anyone planning on heading to the beach this summer to check out the advice on the RNLI website: https://rnli.org/safety before setting out and keep on an eye on their families when they are there.’

The RNLI is continuing to talk to its 55 partner local authorities and beach owners about which additional beaches might be lifeguarded this summer, seeking to align with the proposed early July lifting of restrictions on the tourism and hospitality industries. The RNLI will announce this information as soon as possible.

Mark Dowie added: ‘With schools closed and restrictions on foreign travel, we know that lots of people will be heading to UK beaches – this could be the busiest summer ever for both our lifeguards and our lifeboat crews. I’m very grateful to all those lifeguards who have already started their patrols or are now preparing to get back on the beach – they know this will be a challenging summer and are doing a brilliant job helping to keep the public safe during this pandemic.

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‘We must all continue to be aware that the risks from the pandemic have not gone away, but if people work with us and the other emergency services by following social distancing and other Government guidance relevant to their home country, we hope to be able to continue to provide lifeguard services this season. We’d like to thank all our partners – from Her Majesty’s Coastguard, to local councils and landowners – who are also working hard to help us patrol as many beaches as possible.’

New measures to deal with the Coronavirus mean the RNLI lifeguard service will look a little different this year. Lifeguards will wear PPE like ambulance crews in some situations. New protocols for all first responders mean the lifeguards may not deal with some minor first aid cases but will support people to treat themselves. They will also try to keep socially distant from beach goers, and may need to adopt different patrol methods at times, such as not using the red and yellow flags and asking people to keep apart but close to shore, to help keep people safe while maintaining social distancing.

The charity is also continuing to urge anyone planning to visit the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice.

Anyone planning a visit to the coast should remember to:

Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage

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Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water

Don’t allow your family to swim alone

Don’t use inflatables

If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float

In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard

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